Gunman Ambushes Off-Duty Officer At Home With His Wife And Children

Lewiston, ID – An off-duty Nez Perce Tribal Police Department (NPTPD) officer was attacked by a gunman while he was at home with his family late Wednesday afternoon.

Just prior to the shooting, the gunman showed up at a woman’s house in the 3500-block of 11th Street and asked her where “the tribal officer lived,” KLEW reported.

The woman pointed at the gray apartment complex next door, which had a tribal patrol vehicle parked out front, according to The Spokesman-Review.

She later told police that she did not see the suspect with a weapon, but that she heard gunshots ring out shortly after they spoke.

Nez Perce Tribal Police Officer Josh Rigney was at home with his wife and two children when the gunman opened fire just after 4 p.m. KLEW reported.

His family was uninjured, but Officer Rigney was shot twice.

The shooter, later identified as 36-year-old Daniel “Danny” Cook Jr., fled the scene as Officer Rigney’s wife called 911, The Lewiston Tribune reported.

Rigney was rushed to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, where he was taken into surgery.

Meanwhile, Lewiston police spotted the suspect’s vehicle near the Lewiston Orchards, resulting in a brief rolling shootout that ended in front of the Nez Perce County Fairgrounds on Burrell Avenue, The Spokesman-Review reported.

He was also transported the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

No other officers were injured during the altercation.

Officer Rigney was listed in stable condition on Wednesday evening, and was able to speak with people at the hospital, KLEW reported.

“The entire Nez Perce Tribal Police force has come to visit Rigney this evening, and say they plan on having an officer with him 24/7,” KLEW reported.

A motive for the attack has not been released.

According to a tribal spokesperson, Officer Rigney did not know the shooter, KHQ reported.

Investigators from multiple agencies have identified at least four crime scenes connected to the gunman's attack, according to The Spokesman-Review.

Shell casings were strewn up and down Burrell Avenue, and bullet holes riddled nearby businesses.

The Idaho State Police is leading the investigation with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office, the Moscow Police Department, and the Latah County Sheriff’s Office.

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Comments (18)

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No. 1-15

usac95

Apr 18

we need to pass a law if a person pursues to try and harm officers in any way
first shoot if killed great scum if lives life no plea bargains

Burgers Allday

Apr 18

Not an ambush. Thoughts and prayers for the officer and his family.

Just-My-Thoughts

Apr 18

Thank God his wife and kids weren't shot or killed. Prayers for the officer. LEO's should not have their names/addresses, etc. published and NO ONE should ever tell anyone where one lives.